Modular manufacturing line including a buffer and methods of operation therefor

Abstract

A manufacturing line includes a plurality of manufacturing modules positioned in series and defining a main path through the manufacturing line. A main track assembly is supported by the manufacturing modules and includes at least a first friction drive system for transporting a trolley assembly along the main path. A buffer is positioned to receive the trolley assembly from the main path and includes a first track assembly that includes at least a second friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the first track assembly. The first track assembly is sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon. The sequencing buffer also includes a second track assembly that includes at least a third friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the second track assembly. The second track assembly is also sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon. A first movable track assembly of the sequencing buffer is movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first movable track assembly and the first track assembly, and a second position defining a second continuous path along the first movable track assembly and the second track assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 151,936, filed May 9, 2008.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to a modular manufacturing line, and more particularly to a manufacturing line including at least one buffer.BACKGROUND[0003]During a manufacturing process, a product is typically advanced through a plurality of manufacturing stations of a manufacturing chain. Specifically, the product is transported through each of the manufacturing stations along an article transportation device. At each manufacturing station, a specific one of a plurality of tasks in the manufacturing process is performed. All equipment and other components necessary to perform the assigned task are positioned, and often permanently affixed, at each manufacturing station. As a result, and dependent upon the number of tasks and the complexity of the manufacturing process, a manufacturing chain i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a manufacturing line that includes a buffer for holding and transporting trolleys carrying articles. The buffer has two tracks and can hold at least two trolleys. The line also includes a movable track assembly that can be moved to different positions to accommodate different needs. The technical effect of this invention is to improve the efficiency and flexibility of the manufacturing line.

Problems solved by technology

At least partially as a result of its permanency, a manufacturing chain is typically inflexible, such that modifying, removing, or replacing the manufacturing chain may be an expensive and time-consuming process.

Therefore, even minor improvements to the manufacturing process, such as, for example, changes to the equipment positioned at one manufacturing station, may be too expensive and time consuming to implement.

Further, if the manufacturing process performed by the manufacturing chain becomes unnecessary, it may not be feasible to alter the manufacturing chain to perform a different manufacturing process.

Ultimately, the manufacturing chain may only be cost effective in performing the specific manufacturing process for which it was designed.

As a result, the significant amount of costs and efforts to design and construct the manufacturing chain may be wasted.

Another drawback with conventional manufacturing chains involves the article transportation system along which the products are transported.

In either case, stopping the main line can result in significant down time and, therefore, reduced efficiency and, ultimately, throughput of the manufacturing chain.

This may further increase process time for manufacturing processes that already require a significant amount of time.

For example, it is known that a drying or curing stage of a paint process may require a significant amount of time, thus greatly increasing the minimal process time for the manufacturing process.

Although the reference suggests an aspect of modularity that may offer certain limited benefits, it does not contemplate improvements to the overall process flow within the manufacturing chain.

In fact, the reference does not disclose modifications to the exemplary high-speed blank powder coating process, but rather seeks to quickly identify a source of a mechanical problem associated with the process.

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